Keeping your curls hydrated and looking good is the key to mastering them, especially during the dry seasons of fall and winter. That’s where leave-in conditioners come to the rescue. They hydrate the hair and lock in moisture, working their magic overnight or throughout the day to ensure that your curls are refreshed and silk smooth.
Celebrity hairstylist and hair expert, William Whatley, shares insights on how to properly treat curls and what we should consider whilst looking for a suitable leave-in conditioner.
According to Whatley, when it comes to managing curls, brushing hair while it’s wet can damage your hair. This damage is caused by the stretching of the hair as it is brushed. The cuticle layer is more exposed in curly hair and vigorous brushing disrupts this outer layer where all your beautiful gloss generally radiates from. If this damage occurs regularly due to poor brushing habits, it can lead to a weakened shine factor in your hair.
When selecting a leave-in conditioner, Whatley advises looking at the ingredients immediately listed after water on the label. Those are the predominant ingredients that work on moisturizing, protecting, or strengthening your hair. Ingredients worth your attention include:
– Panthenol
– Aloe
– Weightless oils and extracts
– Refined fruit oils
– Hydrolyzed keratin
Hair conditioner products with natural extracts or oils are excellent for moisturizing or hydrating hair — precisely what we need from a leave-in conditioner for curly hair.
Hair maintenance isn’t easy, and the whole process can be even more complex with curly and frizzy hair. Leave-in conditioners not only help tame your curls but also nourish your hair and keep them moisturized. Below, we review eight leave-in conditioners which, based on expert advice, user reviews, and personal experience, will give your curly hair the care and attention it deserves.
SEEN Curly Cream Leave-In conditioner is a great curl defining cream that helps eliminate frizz and styles your hair while, moisturizing it simultaneously. It also protects against heat if you need to use a hot tool for styling.
Enthusiastically recommended is Briogeo’s Don’t Despair, Repair! mask, acclaimed for significant difference it makes in hair when used. Also, it is effective on any curly hair type that is dealing with substantial damage or dryness, keeping the moisture locked in and providing shiny perfection!
Argan oil is highly recommended for reviving hair and the Cantu Argan Oil Conditioning Repair leave-in conditioner possesses this lovely ingredient. This product has been praised in numerous reviews for its effectiveness.
The Curls Blueberry Bliss Mask is popular because it not only repairs hair damage but also fights frizz and promotes hair growth. It is also quite budget-friendly.
Divi 3-in-1 Leave In conditioner has been hailed for its ability to transform notoriously frizzy hair to magically smooth and shiny after use.
If you prefer masks that hydrate your curls, the Paul Mitchell Full Circle Leave-In conditioner is ideal. This mask is made to breathe life into your hair after dry summer heat and the good news is, it’s paraben-free!
The OGX Quenching + Coconut Curls is made from a variety of ingredients including honey, citrus oil, coconut, and curl-styling milk. These help you not only fight frizz but also give your curls a softness that makes you want to keep touching your hair.
Shea Moisture Jamaican Castor Oil Leave-In conditioner is a rarity coming from 100% pure Jamaican castor oil. It is excellent for detangling your curls when they become unmanageable or have too much of a kink in them.
Whether you’re looking to tame unruly hair or just want to bring out the best in your curls, leave-in conditioners can make a significant difference. After all, everyone’s hair is different, and it’s crucial to find a product that suits your own unique needs. With these options, you’re sure to find the perfect match for your curly locks!
